Miles Ahead

So Miles Copeland has his detractors (“Going a Round With Miles Copeland,” by Dennis Hunt, June 5)? Tough!

For a decade, Copeland has picked up where the other companies have left off. His ability to find, sign, and produce some of the most innovative talents in the business leaves him head and shoulders above the competition.

As far as his losses are concerned--Belinda Carlisle and R.E.M.: Carlisle is no big loss; and R.E.M., having signed such a large contract with Warner, will undoubtedly have to curtail their wonderfully creative sound in order to sell the albums Warner expects. Success does have its price.

While CBS, MCA and Warners keep promoting the mainstream and commercial Billboard-busters, IRS and Copeland will keep giving the rest of us the best talent it can find.

Shame on you R.E.M. for selling out. I hope it was worth it.

DAVE GREEN

Irvine